VALLEY FOCUS | Valleywide

Committee to Discuss Improvement Projects

A panel of 16 property owners, business owners, tenants and community group representatives--all helping to guide redevelopment of blighted northeast Valley neighborhoods--will hold a public meeting at 6:30 tonight.

The panel, known as the Project Area Committee, is exploring with the city's Community Redevelopment Agency ways to bolster the northeast Valley's economy and quality of life. So far, suggested improvements include repairing streets, sidewalks, lighting and road signs; building housing; creating job opportunities; and expanding retail and commercial activity, according to the redevelopment agency.

The improvements would cover 6,000 acres along major commercial and industrial corridors in Arleta, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hills, Sylmar and Sun Valley.

Committee members will review boundary lines and blight conditions and continue to consider a five-year work schedule for the proposed projects, said Dan Rios, an analyst for the redevelopment agency.

Rios said he and other city planners have not determined the cost of the projects. "Specific costs would be developed once the five-year work program gets developed," he said.

The panel meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the third Wednesday of each month, at the San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services office, 13327 Van Nuys Blvd. in Pacoima.

For more information or to request a copy of the proposed project area map, call (818) 753-1918.